A pending lawsuit and financial woes have forced the Big Tupper Ski Area to close this season.

James LaValley, chairman of Adirondack Residents Intent on Saving Their Economy, said lawsuits filed by PROTECT and the Sierra Club in an attempt to kill the Adirondack Club and Resort are to blame.

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"The Board and membership of PROTECT and the Sierra Club should be ashamed at the way they have chosen to attack a community by using Artice 78 lawsuits in a frivolous manner…" said LaValley in a statement.

Even without the threat lawsuits from landowners and environmental groups, the ski area is not financially set to operate this season.

LaValley showed that over the past three seasons expenses have outweighed the income with last season being the biggest expense. It takes approximately $160,000 to operate an entire season, noted LaValley.

"Donations and gifts have dropped off since the first year, and we will be looking at a difficult pre-season of ticket sales following the poor year we have just come out of," said LaValley.The Adirondack Park Agency approved the Adirondack Club and Resort project in Januaryby a 10-to-1 vote and after 8 years of review. The agency determined the project would not have an adverse effect on the park's resources.

The announcement was made Tuesday night by ARISE Board and volunteers.